UCI boss Lappartient has ideas about how to counter Pogačar's dominance: 'the race becomes more spectacular'
CyclingSunday, 28 June 2026 at 08:00
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Follow us on GoogleIn an in-depth interview with Discovery, David Lappartient once again shared a host of ideas for the sport of cycling. The French president of the UCI has strong opinions on a wide range of issues, including a salary cap, smaller teams in the Tour de France, and safety.
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Lappartient doesn't often sit down for an interview, but when he does, you can bet we'll find out what's going on in his head. For starters, he certainly has an opinion about the powerhouses in cycling, where the best riders in the peloton are becoming increasingly centralized.
UAE Emirates-XRG alone already has five team leaders, all of whom would be perfectly at home as top leaders on any other WorldTour team. “To keep the sport attractive and balanced, it’s essential to prevent the best riders from all ending up on the same team,” said Lappartient.
How can that be made possible? The Frenchman would very much like to see a salary cap. “We worked very intensively on that for a year and a half, and such a cap system was ready to be implemented. But the teams spoke out against it. Even the smaller teams voted against it.”
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David Lappartient
Lappartient Wants More Balance in Cycling
According to Lappartient, by 2026, more teams would be open to the idea of a salary cap. “Without such a cap, the wealthiest teams will continue to increase their revenues and monopolize the best riders. It will then become more difficult for smaller teams to survive.”
However, as more and more major sponsors are entering the world of cycling, the flip side is that there aren’t necessarily just two or three big teams with large budgets anymore. Teams such as Tudor, Pinarello-Q36.5, Lidl-Trek, and Decathlon CMA CGM are now emerging as well.
Lappartient hopes that all the work done over the past year and a half has not been in vain, especially given that a heavy penalty for exceeding the budget is on the table. The goal is clear: to regulate spending in order to keep the playing field competitive.
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UAE Emirates-XRG is currently the richest and most successful team in cycling.
More teams with fewer riders in the Tour de France?
With the globalization and commercialization of cycling, Lappartient does have ideas on how to bring in more money, but he’s also considering changes to the sport itself to counter the dominance of a few teams. Reducing the size of the teams for the Tour de France is one idea.
"Is it really wise to limit the number of teams in the Tour de France to 22 or 23, each with eight riders? That way, the strongest teams manage to completely dominate a 3,500-kilometer race. With 25 teams of six riders each, the race becomes less predictable and more spectacular."
In recent years, teams have often spoken out against larger pelotons, arguing that they are less safe. The UCI also wants to penalize race organizers more frequently. “For example, we imposed a 50,000-euro fine on the Giro d’Italia for the 200-meter-long bend in the last edition.”
"Organizers can't just map out a course and hope it stays dry. They have to be prepared for anything."
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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Latest Comments
- - Philipsen by half a wheel. Book it.jennifer1927-06-2026
- - Forza Arnaud De Lie! Le Taureau a la tricolore, s’il vous plaît. 🇧🇪samanthak27-06-2026
- - “UAE Emirates-XRG” and “Pinarello-Q5” threw me—are those actual trade team names now or a rebrand? Anyone got a link?raceready727-06-2026
- - Go Merlier! Man’s launch this season has been rocket-fuel. If Soudal nails the lead-out, it’s curtains.velodromevirtuoso127-06-2026
- - Does the Belgian champ jersey give any extra benefits at the Tour besides visibility? Like better start money for teams or just prestige?pedalpowe2927-06-2026
- - Slightly harsh tone toward Evenepoel here. He’s peaking for the Tour—if he and Van Gils are finalising form, isn’t skipping Nationals a reasonable call? The article leans a bit sensational, imo.patriciaw27-06-2026
- - Campenaerts dark horse if it somehow splits in the crosswinds. But with UAE-XRG bringing Wellens and Vermeersch, they might try to force a move before the sprinters line it up. Still think it ends in a bunch kick.julien27-06-2026
- - Quick question: how strict is the federation on these doctor’s notes? Are there fines or UCI points penalties for non-starters, or just a slap on the wrist?cadencekingm27-06-2026
- - If the start list is this thin, Philipsen vs Merlier vs De Lie could be a barnburner. Belgian tricolor likely decided in a drag race on Brasschaat’s flat roads. Positioning will be everything.breakawaybikerd27-06-2026
- - Strong piece. The mandatory start rule exists for a reason—towns pay good money and fans show up expecting the stars. I get Van Aert’s injury, but Remco skipping both TT and RR again feels poor form, even if the doctor’s note is “valid.”gearguru3327-06-2026
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